SEAFORD — Sussex Montessori School has received a $17,500 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware.

The award came from the health insurer’s Blueprints for the Community grant fund, which brings quality education and support services to a diverse enrollment of young students from western Sussex County, according to a news release.

“We are happy to support (the school’s) program to ensure students and their families have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and engaged,” said Nick Moriello, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware.

Sussex Montessori opened in September to 263 children in its first classes of K-3 students. Over the next three years, the school will grow to 460 students in grades K-6 at its campus in Seaford. The school recently completed a lottery and is accepting children for its waitlist for fall 2021.

Lisa Coldiron, head of school, said the grant will be put toward the school’s new Wrap-Around Services Center, which provides speech and language therapy, special education classes and social worker support for about 70 students.

Additional features to be developed will include relocation of the nurse’s office, a family food cupboard through The Harry K Foundation, a clothing closet and other services, according to the news release.

“We have been so pleased with the support and interest the school has received from our communities, and we are committed to helping all our children receive the support they need to fully engage a quality Montessori education,” Ms. Coldiron said.